Effective Research in Potato Productivity Contributing to Food Sovereignty, Says State Minister

Addis Ababa, March 17, 2026 (ENA) — State Minister of Agriculture Melese Mekonnen said effective works have been carried out to support the effort to ensure food sovereignty by enhancing potato productivity through research.

A National Potato Research and Development workshop, which brought together researchers, development partners, policy makers, and government officials, opened in Addis Ababa today.

In his message to the participants, the State Minister stressed that agriculture is crucial for food sovereignty, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.

According to him, potato is playing a key role in Ethiopia as it produces high yields on small land and in a short period of time, contributing to food security and industrial input.

Ethiopia has the potential to become the leading potato producer in Africa by significantly changing its productivity, developing improved varieties, Melese noted.

The State Minister further said potato production, beyond domestic consumption, is becoming an option for earning foreign exchange; and efforts are being intensified to add value to the product for export.

Ethiopian Institute Agricultural Research Director-General, Professor Nigussie Dechassa said a lot of research has been done in the Ethiopian potato, releasing 45 varieties. 

Even if we in Ethiopia have a number of technological packages for enhancing potato yield, we have not yet fully tapped into this enormous potential due to lack of developing the value chain, the Director-General stated.

Therefore, there remains a significant gap between what is currently being produced and what could be achieved through improved varieties, better seed systems, enhanced agronomic practices, effective pest and disease management, stronger value chains and improved market access.

Ireland's Deputy Head of Mission, Fergal Ryan, for his part said Ireland has rich experience in cultivating potato and other crops as well.

''Today, Ireland produces seven times more food than it consumes. It has become a major hub for commercial agriculture and a major exporter of food to foreign markets.''

In Ethiopia as well, the potato holds significant importance serving as a crucial food security crop and a source of income for smaller farmers, Ryan elaborated.

''We have (therefore) been working in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia to develop the potential of the potato as a healthy, high yield, drought resistant crop. Potato is easy to grow, easy to cook, nutritious, and can be stored longer than many other crops.''

The three-day workshop aims to review the progress and experiences of potato research and development in Ethiopia over the past years and to facilitate knowledge exchange by sharing research findings, innovations, and good practices in potato production, seed systems, processing, and marketing.